Military Aircraft

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Since the First World War, there has been a seismic shift in the way that warfare is played out and this is in no small part thanks to the introduction of the fighter plane. By gaining control of airspace, fighters paved the way for bombing raids to fly into enemy territory, reducing the casualties forces would face on the ground as a result.

If achieving aerial superiority is so important, then it makes sense that military aircraft became one of the most rapidly evolving instruments of warfare ever seen. From small wooden biplanes to supersonic technological masterpieces, some aircraft have proved pivotal in battle, with innovations that have helped swing the balance in favor of one side or the other. It is 10 of these history-defining innovations which have made it onto this list. But it isn't restricted to who made the most kills or which won the most fights, but also which ones have had the enemy running for cover at the mere thought of their approach.

Many aircraft just missed out on our list -- and notable mentions go to the Hawker Hurricane, the McDonnell F-4 Phantom and the F-22 Raptor, to name just a few.